Pune I June 10, 2004 I The Times of India

Young Builder main accused in Vishwas Patil Murder Case.

A crime branch team led by inspector Dattatreya Datar today arrested Rohit Pandit, a young and upcoming builder from Pune, on the charges of murdering prominent builder and hotelier Vishwas Patil. It is alleged that Rohit Pandit, a 26 year old lad, paid a 'supari' of 25 Lakhs to Deepak Nikhalje alias Chotta Rajan in May 2004 to elimanate Vishwas Patil. It is alleged by the Police that Rohit Pandit and Vishwas Patil were at loggerheads over a 100 crore worth property located at Bavdhan.

Vishwas Patil, who owns a hotel in the deccan area was shot point blank on June 5 at the outskirts of Katraj Ghat, by alleged Chotta Rajan aides, the Judicial magistrate first class Sangita Khalipe remanded Rohit Pandit, who is charged under section 302 of the IPC to a police custody of 15 days, after the crime branch presented primary evidences of his conversation with Deepak Nikhalje in Malaysia from his cell phone. Rohit Pandit used to visit the deceased frequently at his office and the deceased Vishwas Patil had paid a sum of 25 Lakhs to Rohit Pandit in May 2004, which the crime branch want to probe. Also at the time of Vishwas Patils murder, Rohit Pandit was in Dubai and the crime branch want to establish his links with the underworld. The police custody was granted to the crime branch on this basis.

This is the first time in Pune wherein a nexus between the underworld and real estate builders is seen, a sight that is very prominent in Mumbai. Also Rohit Pandit, who is the CMD of the Rohit Pandit Group is a young lad of 26 years, 'this is a very exceptional case and all the factors involved in it took us all by surprise' were the reactions of ace cop Dattaray Datar. Rohit Pandit on the other hand dressed in a formal suit, maintained a very cool and calm composure even after he was sentenced to 15 days police custody and in a statement to our correspondent stated that he is innocent and true facts will come out soon.